I am really enjoying the sudden plethora of books with main characters who are of a certain age. By “of a certain age,” I mean characters who are in their late 50’s or older. It seems like a natural evolution since the Baby Boomers, who now have more time on their hands, are more than likely interested in books that have characters that are the same age as themselves.

Anderson has certainly latched on to this phenomenon and has created a highly interesting character named Edna Fisher who is in her 80’s. This book which is part fantasy (there are dragons) and part hero quest ( she is on a mission to stop the destruction of her world) is truly remarkable just as the name suggests!

Edna is living in a retirement home where she knits and watches “I Love Lucy” reruns with her roommate who is slowly sinking into dementia. The one bright spot is Benjamin, an orderly at the home, who is kind and takes an interest in her. Suddenly, however, she is contacted by a representative of the Council of Wizards and is told that she is ‘The Chosen One,’ selected to fight the dragon ridding sorcerer who is trying to destroy the Knights who are the defenders of the land. No one is more surprised than Edna that she has been chosen. Usually a teenager is chosen, someone like Clementine, who tries very hard to steal the magical sword Edna was given in order to complete her task. But Edna is not magical, hasn’t used used anything much sharper than a knitting needle in a long time. Besides she needs a walker if she is going to travel any great distance. But she is not one to shirk responsibility, especially if she can help the Knights, who meant so much to her son who died in their service.  Besides, Edna tells herself, you are never to old for an adventure!

The plot is quite twisty, and there are betrayals, and magic that goes awry but it is always the steadfast practical wisdom that Edna offers that keeps the band which includes Ben and Clem, on task. This is a lovely book and it ends in a way that implies that more adventures with Edna Fisher are in our future!

Brenda’s Rating:**** (4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Sharon, Lauren and Marian

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in e-library format.